Teen dies of overdose
Cash for new playgrounds
Alleged school strip search
Fewer caught at border
29 new cases of measles
Hockey players' trial begins
Rubio unveils big cuts
26 killed at resort
Phasing out artificial dyes 
No plan to fire Powell
BC firm eyes expansion
Tesla profit falls sharply
Vees scouting for season
'We're a resilient group' 
Archers strike gold
Tiger King marries again
Travis Scott all-in on WWE
Oprah's latest pick
Top Stories for April 15, 2025
Fight breaks out at Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna
UPDATE 3 p.m. West Kelowna RCMP are investigating what they are calling a "disturbance" that occurred on April 14 at approximately 6:45 p.m. at Two...
Highway 3A remains closed due to early morning rockslide, expected to continue overnight
UPDATE: 4:42 p.m. Highway 3A remains closed on Tuesday after rocks tumbled down across the highway in the early morning hours. DriveBC states that all traffic,...
Kamloops lawyer stole $774K from client before stabbing him to death, prosecutors say
UPDATE: 12:14 p.m. A Kamloops lawyer burned through more than $750,000 of his client’s money before stabbing him repeatedly in the chest, wrapping his...
Kelowna accepting short-term rental applications again
Kelowna is once again accepting business licence applications for short-term rentals. The move comes after city council adopted several bylaw updates Monday to...
Accused West Kelowna drug dealer denied bail
An alleged “mid-level drug dealer with connections to large amounts of illegal drugs” was denied bail earlier this year when a judge considered how...
What happened in Vanderhoof after the sawmill closed
When forestry contractor Mike Egli heard the sawmill in Vanderhoof was closing, he was expecting the worst. Egli co-owns logging contractor Dalchako Transport...
Nook Cafe takes over former 350 Bakehouse space in Kelowna
A new breakfast and lunch spot is now open on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna. The Nook Café + Bar has taken over the former 350 Bakehouse space at...
B.C. workers will no longer need to provide sick notes to employers
Workers in British Columbia will no longer need a doctor's sick note for short-term absences. The B.C. government has announced changes to the Employment...
Kelowna city council passes renters' protection measures
Kelowna city council has given the green light to new tenant protection measures aimed at supporting renters during redevelopment projects. But in doing so, it...
West Kelowna's Rose Valley park to close for wildfire recovery work
Rose Valley Regional Park will be temporarily closed to the public from April 16 to April 30 as crews carry out wildfire recovery efforts. The closure will...
California governor urges Canadians to ignore Trump, come back for sand, sun and wine
California is calling for Canadians to come back and pay a visit. Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken to social media urging the two million Canadians who visited last...
$1,000 reward offered for missing cat thought to be in Kelowna
A Vernon resident is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of his missing cat, Kelani, a Lynx Point Siamese cross. Kelani has been...
Robotic-assisted surgery equipment coming to Kelowna's hospital
Kelowna General Hospital is getting new leading-edge robotic-assisted surgery equipment. The new robotic technology will benefit all patients living in the...
Records show Gene Hackman's wife researched symptoms of illness in days before her death
Authorities on Tuesday released a lengthy investigation report detailing some of the last emails and internet searches done by Gene Hackman’s wife in the...
Honda not considering production shift away from Canada: minister, premier
Government officials are pushing back against a report that Honda is considering shifting some Canadian production to the United States in response to tariffs,...
How many months of rent compensation should a tenant in B.C. receive if their rental agreement is broken for a renovation or redevelopment?
Kelowna city council has given the green light to new tenant protection measures aimed at supporting renters during redevelopment projects. But in doing so, it...
A guide to RV towing rules in B.C.
There is a lot more to recreational vehicle towing than simply hooking up your trailer or loading your camper and making sure the rear lights work. Before you...
FortisBC says gas line strikes have hit a 20 year low in B.C.
FortisBC is celebrating a major safety milestone as gas line damages have dropped to their lowest levels in 20 years. Out of a total of 779 reported incidents,...
The Black Crowes and Jimmy Page revisit a pivotal but mangled 26-year-old live set
One of the more puzzling live albums of all time came out in 2000. It featured songs from a two-night stand with The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin icon Jimmy...
Gas firm says a contractor is dead in a gas plant fire near Fort St. John, B.C.
A contractor has been killed and another person hurt in a fire in a gas plant north of Fort St. John, B.C. Alberta-based Tourmaline Oil, which runs the Gundy...
Canadian university teachers warned against travelling to the United States
The association that represents academic staff at Canadian universities is warning its members against non-essential travel to the United States. The Canadian...
Crash on Trans-Canada Highway east of Sicamous cleared; highway open in both directions
UPDATE: 5:45 p.m. Emergency crews have cleared a crash east of Sicamous, and the Trans-Canada Highway has been reopened in both directions. A collision between...
Wall Street wavers in a rare quiet day following weeks of tariff turmoil
U.S. stocks are wavering Tuesday in a rare quiet day for financial markets, for now at least. The S&P 500 was mostly unchanged in afternoon trading, though...
Kelowna doctors raise concerns about ER pediatric shortage
A group of physicians at Kelowna General Hospital have raised an alarm about their emergency ward's capacity for pediatric care in the months ahead amid...
Okanagan could see largest cherry crop in years, if weather holds
Okanagan cherry farmers are feeling optimistic about this year's cherry crop. "Much improved from the last few years," said Sukhpaul Bal,...
Here's why flights at YVR Airport are experiencing widespread delays
Vancouver's biggest airport clocked some notable delays on Monday, April 14. Travellers chimed in on social media about the delays, with online flight...
Kim Kardashian will testify in a trial over a 2016 robbery that targeted her in Paris
Kim Kardashian will testify in person at an upcoming trial over a 2016 heist in Paris in which armed robbers allegedly tied her up and locked her in a bathroom...
Vernon couple faces discrimination when looking for wedding destination in Mexico
What was supposed to be a dream wedding in Puerto Vallarta turned into a nightmare for a Vernon couple who say they were discriminated against because of their...
Lap dog nets Burnaby driver $109 ticket
Holding a dog while driving earned a Burnaby driver a $109 fine last week. The man was pulled over on Lougheed Highway near Production Way on April 9, according...
No jurors picked on first day of Harvey Weinstein’s #MeToo retrial
As jury selection began Tuesday in Harvey Weinstein’s New York City rape retrial, some prospective jurors made clear they couldn't be fair in judging...
Federal Court of Appeal dismisses challenge of federal firearms ban
The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed a challenge of a Liberal government ban on firearms the government considers fit only for the battlefield, not for...
Millions tune in for 24-hour live coverage of Sweden’s epic moose migration
Before Swedish slow TV hit “The Great Moose Migration” began airing Tuesday, Ulla Malmgren stocked up on coffee and prepared meals so she...
Shed fire in Rutland neighbourhood doused
UPDATE 11:05 a.m. What appears to be a shed burned overnight in Rutland. The fire burned at a home at the corner of Lomond and Dell roads. The shed has been...
Three Kelowna Rockets skaters crack NHL's final ranking of top 100 prospects
As the Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin April 19, NHL Central Scouting has listed three Kelowna Rockets in its final rankings ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft....
Ottawa announces help for businesses hurt by U.S. tariffs
Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has announced help for Canadian businesses affected by the trade dispute with the U.S., giving them...
First Nation launches challenge of B.C.'s approval to raise Mount Polley mine dam
A British Columbia First Nation has filed a legal challenge over the plan to allow the Mount Polley mine to raise its tailings dam a decade after a similar...
Kamloops RCMP investigate drug-related stabbing in motel
Kamloops Mounties are investigating a suspected drug deal gone wrong after being called to Royal Inland Hospital on Monday. Police attended the hospital at...
Caution urged after avalanche close calls outside Revelstoke
A series of avalanche close-calls for skiers has led Parks Canada to urge caution in the backcountry in and around Glacier National Park. Avalanche Canada...
B.C. accepting only 1,100 new immigrant applications, nominations to focus on health
The British Columbia government says the odds of new applications from immigrants looking to be accepted into its nominee program this year have dropped to near...
Autism rates in US rise again to 1 in 31 kids, CDC says
An estimated 1 in 31 U.S. children have autism, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday, marking another jump in a long string of...
Vernon author takes in depth look at the multiple branches and generations of the O'Keefe family
Acclaimed Okanagan author Ken Mather is taking a deep dive into the Historic O'Keefe Ranch. Mather has published several books on the pioneer cowboy days of...
Clothing companies fear Trump tariffs will leave them worse for wear
When Nina Kharey wakes every morning, the first thing she does is search online for U.S. President Donald Trump in hopes that the global trade war he sparked is...
Seniors in spotlight during Kelowna Earth Day screening of documentary Later is Too Late
The efforts of Canadian seniors fighting climate change will be highlighted with a free Kelowna screening of the documentary, Later is Too Late on Earth Day....
Tariff uncertainty foils 'slam dunk rebound year' for national home sales: CREA
The Canadian Real Estate Association has downgraded its forecast for home sales activity in 2025, while the number of homes that changed hands across the...
Man accused of three sexual assaults on transit faces charges: police
The British Columbia Prosecution Service has approved charges relating to three alleged sexual assaults on Metro Vancouver's transit system. A statement...
Hwy 3A rockslide east of Keremeos discussed in B.C. legislature; MLA raises concerns
Tuesday's rockslide closing Highway 3A east of Keremeos was brought up in the B.C. legislature following comments from Boundary-Similkameen MLA Donegal...
The great Easter basket question - to Peep or not Peep
Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday....
Bereaved mothers in Kelowna to release rose petals in remembrance
A special tribute will take place a week ahead of Mother’s Day in Kelowna. The organizers of the Butterfly Run are hosting a 2nd Annual Bereaved...
Kamloops candidates hear NDP supporters might go Liberal this election
Softening support for the NDP ahead of the April 28 federal election is not only visible on national polls — Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola candidates are...
Edgewood farmers head back to court, fate of 400 ostriches looms
Universal Ostrich Farm Inc. are headed back to court today for a judicial hearing that will decide the fate of 400 ostriches. The legal proceedings started on...
Advance polling open now and over the long weekend in the South Okanagan
Voters in the Similkameen–South Okanagan–West Kootenay riding can vote early ahead of the federal election on April 28. Currently, there are...
Three new cases of measles reported in Alberta, including Calgary
Alberta is reporting three more confirmed cases of measles, including one in Calgary. Alberta Health Services says the individual in Calgary had visited nearby...
Philadelphia prosecutor seeks a third term, saying progressivism is ascendant despite Trump setbacks
The Philadelphia prosecutor who became a campaign trail punching bag for Republicans amid rising crime in U.S. cities during the coronavirus pandemic is running...
Japan's anti-monopoly watchdog accuses Google of violations in smartphones
Japanese regulators on Tuesday accused U.S. tech giant Google of violating anti-monopoly laws, echoing similar moves in the U.S. and Europe. Google Japan said...
China pursuing 3 alleged US operatives over cyberattacks during Asian Games
China said Tuesday it is pursuing three alleged U.S. operatives accused of carrying out cyberattacks on Chinese infrastructure during the Asian Games held in...
Fashion, heritage and talent: Players turn the WNBA draft into a cultural showcase
NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and...
Inflation cooled to 2.3% in March as gas prices fell, StatCan says
Canadians got a break on inflation in March as gas prices fell and a slowdown in travel to the United States helped cool airfare costs, Statistics Canada said...
Another US aircraft carrier in Mideast waters ahead of second round of Iran-US nuclear talks
A second U.S. aircraft carrier is operating in Mideast waters ahead of the next round of talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's rapidly...
Westside Wine Trail set to celebrate with second annual Cheers to Cheese
The first Cheers to Cheese was a smashing success, so Westside Wine Trail has decided to bring back the premier spring event for a second consecutive year. Wine...
Groupe Dynamite reports fourth-quarter profit and sales up from year ago
Clothing retailer Groupe Dynamite Inc. reported a fourth-quarter profit of $31.0 million, up from $28.6 million a year earlier as its revenue rose 13 per cent....
CIBC becomes latest founding partner of WNBA expansion side Toronto Tempo
TORONTO — CIBC has become a founding partner of the WNBA-expansion Toronto Tempo. CIBC will become the basketball team's official bank and appear on team...
Kamloops co-op raises $1.1M in community bonds for housing project
A Kamloops non-profit housing co-operative has raised $1.1 million for a new project by issuing community bonds to 101 investors. Propolis Cooperative Housing...
Penticton eateries battle for title of 'Ultimate Burger'
The competition is heating up to be crown Penticton's best downtown burger. The "Meet Me on Martin" association is holding its annual competition,...
As Trump considers auto tariffs pause, parts exemptions could be key for US industry
President Donald Trump hinted that he might temporarily relieve the auto industry from “permanent” tariffs he previously imposed on the business....
Volunteers remove more than 1,000 pounds of waste from Kamloops riverbanks at city cleanup event
Groups of volunteers removed more than 1,000 pounds of waste from local riverbanks during the City of Kamloops’ annual Clean the Beach event last weekend....
CMHC reports annual pace of housing starts slowed in March
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the annual pace of housing starts in March slowed compared with February. The national housing agency says the seasonally...
The federal election, the U.S., and climate action
Our environmental crises continue to worsen from climate change to biodiversity to microplastics to the state of our forests. I thought climate would be front...
No parking for a day on portion of Winnipeg Street in Penticton
Pothole repair is coming to the 700 block of Winnipeg Street this week. On Thursday, April 17 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. there will be no parking...
Tariff response to be focus at Queen's Park as new session begins after election
Ontario's response to the escalating trade war with the United States will factor heavily in the first legislative sitting after Premier Doug Ford cruised...
Party leaders in Montreal ahead of this week’s election debates
Federal party leaders are campaigning in the Montreal area ahead of the two election debates that will take place Wednesday and Thursday. It will be the first...
Summerland RCMP issued 14 speeding violations and impounded two vehicles for excessive speeding last weekend
The Summerland RCMP want to remind drivers that speeding doesn't pay, after issuing numerous tickets this past weekend and impounding two vehicles. Cst....
Singapore dissolves parliament, paving the way for May 3 general election
Singapore’s parliament was dissolved Tuesday, paving the way for general elections in which the city-state’s long-ruling People’s Action Party...
Vernon landfill extending Saturday drop off hours for spring
The Regional District North Okanagan (RDNO) is extending its Saturday yard and garden waste drop-off hours at the local landfill for the spring season. From...
Kamloops council will hear from the public on proposed bylaw permitting short-term rentals in city limits
The City of Kamloops will hold a public hearing about proposed changes to its zoning bylaw that, if approved, will allow short-term rentals to operate in city...
FDA OKs trial of pig livers as dialysis-like treatment for liver failure
U.S. researchers will soon test whether livers from a gene-edited pig could treat people with sudden liver failure — by temporarily filtering their blood...
'Kimberly Akimbo' and Steve Martin-scored 'Bright Star' join Off-Mirvish season
Tony-winner “Kimberly Akimbo” and Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s “Bright Star” are among the productions joining the 2025-26...
Most Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee candidates respond to questions from local social services agencies
Candidates in the Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee riding were recently asked their stance on various community issues, and three out of four candidates responded...
Penticton Farmers’ Market returns to downtown this weekend
Get ready to enjoy fresh veggies, homemade goods and wares once again, as the Penticton Farmers’ Market returns to the downtown core. Starting this...
Mountain View Road in Spallumcheen will be closed May 5 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Township of Spallumcheen is advising motorists Mountain View Road will be closed May 5 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The closure is necessary for the replacement of...
Meet Linda Sankey, NDP candidate in Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay
Castanet has conducted a Q&A with candidates running to represent the Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding. Watch for the Q&A articles every...
Transit for Teens to be explored in City of Vernon 2026 budget cycle
Vernon city council will be revisiting the possibility of Transit for Teens during the 2026 budget cycle – as long as staff ability permits. At...
Vernon city council passes 2025 tax rate, hike lessened slightly
Property taxes in Vernon are still going up – but not as much as originally thought. The City of Vernon has approved its tax rate for 2025 and because the...
Election 2025 Q&A with Green candidate Owen Madden, running in Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies
Castanet is running a series of candidate profiles in the run-up to the federal election on Monday, April 28. Between now and election day, we will publish...
Penticton Vees to face the Cranbrook Bucks in round 2 of the BCHL Playoffs
The Penticton Vees will be going up against the Cranbrook Bucks for round two of the 2025 Rogers BCHL Playoffs, which begins this Friday at the South Okanagan...
Ethan Askey and the Elevators bringing the blues to Salmon Arm
Celebrate Shuswap is inviting residents to boogie on down to the Song Sparrow Hall for a dance party featuring blues band Ethan Askey and the Elevators. In a...
Kaslo, Nakusp Selkirk College learning centres to close due to ‘financial challenges’
The first domino has fallen in the funding shortfall created out of a loss of international students. Selkirk College will be closing its learning centres in...
TRU fine arts students ready to apply skills in real world as graduation looms
This year’s cohort of graduating Thompson Rivers University fine arts students say they are keen to keep honing their craft, and many already know where...
Nelson falls 22 spots on B.C.'s list of the most economically resilient cities
No Kootenay communities cracked the top 25 of BC Businesses's B.C.’s Economically Resilient Cities in 2025 list; rather they plummeted from their...
Oliver's boil water advisory remains in place until further notice, town says
Oliver's three-day boil water advisory remains in effect until further notice, town staff say. According to a public notice, the municipality is waiting for...
Town of Oliver asks residents to check for leak notices
The Town of Oliver is telling homeowners to check their utility notices for possible leak notifications. This week, utility notices were sent out and with them...
Osoyoos' Blue Barn matches pet food donations with challenge
Osoyoos' Blue Barn is running its annual pet food challenge in support of local animal organizations this month. From April 17 to 30, the B.C.-based pet...
Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre ER to close again over Tuesday night
The Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre emergency department will be closed over Tuesday night. In a news release, Interior Health said the ER will be closed...
Trail council issues a reminder to community members after several complaints of people failing to clean up pet waste
A stinky situation has led Trail council to issue a reminder to community members to pick up their pets' waste. During an April 14 council meeting, Tracey...
Nelson's popular Lakeside Park has report of coyote on premises
It is not uncommon to see four-legged creatures in the city's major waterfront public space, Lakeside Park. However, it is uncommon to see a coyote that far...
Similkameen Country Development Association to hold 5K fun walk and run
Ready, set, go! — Similkameen Country Development Association is hosting its second annual 5k fun run/walk this May. On May 3, participants can traverse...
Kootenay unemployment rate improves from previous year with slight job growth
New employment numbers released by WorkBC suggest that the Kootenay region's unemployment rate has improved over the years, but has fallen slightly in the...
Salmo spring clean up days let residents dispose of unwanted waste
It’s that time of year again. Spring is upon us, and it’s time to declutter your yards from the waste that may have accumulated over the winter...
Columbia Basin Climate Source website improves action in exploring local climate trends
The puzzling picture of the many impacts of climate change may become clearer after the development of a new tool to foster resilience. As the impacts of...
Trail determined to finish Trail Memorial Centre project; already over budget
The renovation budget for Trail Memorial Centre has long exceeded the initial targeted expenses, but it appears that the city has planned for this outcome. The...
Trail residents frustrated over new RV site owner blocking some Rock Island waterfront access
Trail community members are frustrated with a new RV site owner's decision to block off water and beach access to a portion of Rock Island. According to the...
Ingram-Boundary investigation finds range practices compliant
Allegations of overgrazing, inadequate fencing and allowing the spread of invasive plants were unfounded, a Forest Practices Board investigation determined. The...
Castlegar appoints Ahlefeld new municipal fire chief
The former second-in-command of the Castlegar Fire Department has moved one rung up the ladder. Nick Ahlefeld has been appointed acting fire chief, effective...
